NSW floods: four dead and around 50,000 people isolated

Australian Community Media

NSW SES provide a flood update at 8:30am on Friday, May 23, 2025. Footage by ABC News

Transcript

00:00Through to 5am this morning we had 535 requests for assistance and incidents come through

00:07to the New South Wales SES.

00:09In the last 24 hours prior we had 177 flood rescues.

00:15The total event incidents since this weather event occurred has been more than 5,700, so

00:21a very significant event affecting large parts of the community, and the total flood rescues

00:25has been more than 670.

00:29We've got currently more than 150 flood warnings in place, and importantly 40 of those are

00:34at emergency level, and we're continuing to respond to this record-breaking floods along

00:40the State's community on the North Coast.

00:43So with those emergency warnings, which is the most severe, where it is about shelter

00:47in place or evacuate, shelter in place is really important as well if you can't get out and

00:52the roads are cut off, we urge the public to heed our warnings.

00:57We don't issue them lightly.

00:59We assess the risks.

01:00Sometimes those risks aren't realised, but in this circumstance with record flooding,

01:04it's really important that you listen to our warnings.

01:07If those don't eventuate, that's a good outcome.

01:11But what we're seeing is significant flooding that is affecting the community, and also cutting

01:15people off where they actually are isolated and can't get access to food and other items.

01:22On the mid-north coast currently we have at least nine helicopters assigned to the area.

01:27We will get more if required.

01:29More than 500 boats and vessels.

01:32More than 2,200 SES volunteers.

01:36And our multi-agency support.

01:37With events like this, it is multi-agencies that actually respond.

01:42So that includes Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Volunteer Rescue Association,

01:49Surfly Saving NSW and many other agencies as well in support of the NSW SES.

01:56They're there to support the community during their hour of need, and we thank our interagency

02:00partners.

02:01We know that currently there's approximately 50,000 people that are currently isolated during

02:05the floodwaters.

02:06And I'll be talking a little bit later around what we're going to be doing to ensure that

02:10we can have resupply of food and essential medications.

02:14Sadly, there's a number of people that have lost their lives as a result of this severe

02:19weather event, and our condolences go out to friends and family of those that have lost

02:24their lives.

02:25There are a number that are still missing as well, and that search continues.

02:30And our thoughts are for those communities out there that have been affected by this major

02:33and significant weather event.

02:35It's going to take some time.

02:36As we know, Australians and NSW people are resilient.

02:40We will get through this, and we will be there to support you.

02:45So in addition to these rescues, we are currently supporting the people that are isolated and

02:51need food and medications.

02:53Our attention will turn to that.

02:55So please call 132 500 in order to get those items, and we can support you.

03:02The boats and helicopters will be turning their attention.

03:05We do prioritise obviously life-threatening flood rescues prior to resupply.

03:10But we will in coming days, making sure that we provide that resupply in parallel.

03:16So if you do need resupply, reiterating 132 500.

03:21I urge the community, if you haven't already, download the Hazards Near Me app.

03:24That is one mechanism of how we ensure that messages are provided through to you in areas

03:30of risk.

03:31It's also for bushfires and many other natural disasters as well.

03:34So please download it.

03:36We do, however, use lots of other methods as well, social media, TV, radio and door knocking,

03:42and emergency alerts as well.

03:44So sometimes telecommunications can be impacted.

03:47We have seen that.

03:48The telcos have advised that in some of these flood affected areas that telecommunications

03:52have been sporadic or have gone down.

03:54So don't rely on one method of communication.

03:57If you have a radio that is actually battery operated, it's always a good idea to have

04:02that ready and prepared as well.

04:03So you can access emergency warnings, especially if electricity goes out as well.

04:09So as the weather system moves south, and we'll get an update from Jane from the Bureau shortly,

04:14the NSW SES is concerned around flash flooding around the Sydney metro area and further south

04:21and southern highlands.

04:22We are seeing effects on that central coast in Sydney areas currently, and minor flooding

04:27in the Colo, Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers.

04:29The Nepean dam is currently spilling, and meanwhile it is possible that the Warragamba dam may spill

04:36sometime Friday or Saturday.

04:38However, Water NSW has advised that that likelihood has decreased overnight where the water and

04:44rainfall is actually falling.

04:46We'll continue to monitor that, liaise with them and provide messaging out to the community

04:50to make sure you're well aware of any impacts that may result.

04:54So once again, make sure that you are well aware of the risks in your local community,

04:59and where you live, or where you may be travelling through.

05:02Stay diligent.

05:03Do not drive through floodwaters.

05:06I thank the community for heeding our warnings.

05:10Really important you do so.

05:11The community has worked really well with the NSW SES, but please do not drive, walk, play

05:18or do other things through those floodwaters.

05:20They are dangerous.

05:21We have seen some of the terrible outcomes that result from those floodwaters.

05:27So please don't take that risk.

05:29Even a small amount of water can cause your vehicle to move or for you to be carried away.

05:36So in coming days, the NSW SES is very much focused on both the resupply, but as those

05:42waters subside, returning safely.

05:45We will support the community with getting back into homes as soon as possible.

05:49But assessing risk and assessing the damage is really vital.

05:53There are many risks that come with floodwaters if your home or premise has been inundated.

05:58Floodwaters have contaminants.

05:59There can be vermin, snakes and other vermin as well.

06:03So you need to assess those risks.

06:05Electricity can also pose a danger as well.

06:07So when you return, make sure you assess those risks.

06:10If you're unsure, especially with electrical hazards, get a qualified electrician in and

06:15make sure that it is free of risk.

06:17Don't risk yourself and your family.

06:19Don't risk yourself and your family.

06:24Thank you Camille and family.

06:26Thank you

06:39forulum.

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